Prioritising National Stadium Use for Major Sporting Events with Broad National Significance

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth how the Government prioritises use of our National Stadium for major sporting events that are of broader significance to Singaporeans, such as high-interest football matches involving Singapore's national team.

Mr David Neo: The Kallang Group makes a special effort for the National Stadium to host events of national significance and major sporting events, including high-interest football matches involving our national teams. For example, the Lions' home games in the lead-up to Singapore's historic AFC Asian Cup qualification were played at the National Stadium.

For the recent ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-finals match, there was insufficient time to remove the stage and other infrastructure, reinstate the stadium and install the natural grass pitch to meet international competition standards after hosting the National Day Parade five days prior. The match was therefore held at Jalan Besar Stadium.